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4th of July Fireworks Shows Tampa 2012 - Events & Things to do July 4

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:07:17 GMT

4th of July St Petersburg, FL - Fireworks Show at The Pier

Well, it's a judgment call, but we're going to start out with the fireworks in the fine city of St. Petersburg, at the city's icon, the Pier. There's a full day of family-oriented activities. It starts at noon with Bus Stop, a classic rock band that'll play at The Pier's courtyard stage until 3:00 p.m. Then there's a switcheroo to country-and-western music, with Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band. They play from 4 to 7 p.m. Nestled in between the two shows is an act called Baby Grand in the Sand, which is essentially a guy named Joe Lombardo playing his baby grand piano. Lombardo will then play from 7 to 8 p.m., when soulRcoaster takes the stage, playing pop rock hits until 11 p.m. That's the music. There will also be face-painting from noon to 9 p.m. And for those who would like to leave their faces as they are, who would actually like to take their faces and put them on a different body, there's Dance Heads," a video set-up where people can star in their own videos, then take a DVD copy of the video home with them. By the way, you get to pick your own song. This is available from 2 to 5 p.m. Need more? From 1 to 8 p.m., Fritz, a balloon-twisting, unicycle-riding funny man, will be out and about, drawing chuckles from the crowd with his hilarious antics. And the Power Skipper will be there, too, from 1 to 5 p.m. with leaps and bounds almost in Superman's league. There will also be the "One Man Band," who will be strolling about The Pier's grounds from 4 to 8 p.m. That'll take you almost right up to the fireworks, which begin at 9 p.m.

4th of July Fireworks Show - Coachman Park - Clearwater, FL

Another city that's taking the time to put together a nice July 4^th event is Clearwater. It's at Coachman Park, which, like The Pier, is on the water, the Intracoastal Waterway, to be exact. This free event begins at 4 p.m. There will be lots of children's activities, including games, face-painting and a mascot parade. The Mostly Pops Orchestra, which has some 40 musicians, is scheduled to play at 7 p.m. or so, and they will be accompanied by singers John Wilson, the WTVT Fox 13 anchor, and his wife, Mary K. Wilson, who teaches singing at St. Petersburg College. The fun-filled day will end at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks that are synchronized to music. Clearwater boasts this is the largest fireworks display in the Tampa Bay area. Any questions? You can call (727) 562-4700.

Tropics Boat Tours Fourth of July Cruise in Clearwater, FL

Now, if the Coachman Park fireworks are to your liking, or if you live in Clearwater or north Pinellas, or if you are making the jaunt across Tampa Bay from Hillsborough County, we have a suggestion. Tropics Boat Tours, which is at 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip 5, (or right across from the Pier 60 parking lot in Clearwater) is offering a special July 4^th tour. You can go on a sunset cruise aboard Tropics' dandy two-level boat, and catch the fireworks from the boat's second, open top deck. The cruise lasts two and a half hours. Boarding is at 7:30 p.m., with a departure scheduled for 8 p.m. For more information, seeTropics Boat Tours July 4th Cruise

Treasure Island Florida Independence Day Fireworks Show on the Beach

The fireworks at The Pier and Coachman Park are essentially at city parks. If you want to watch fireworks, with your toes in the sand, you have a couple of options. Treasure Island's fireworks are on the beach, at 104^th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, and they begin at 9 p.m. St. Pete Beach has fireworks, too. They will be launched from a barge in the Gulf of Mexico, directly west of the Dolphin Village Shopping Center, which is at 4615 Gulf Blvd. The fireworks begin when it gets dark. All the regular beach and parking ordinances will be in effect. Want more information? Call (727) 367-2735.

Channelside July 4th 2012 Fireworks Show Tampa Florida

The big fireworks in Tampa are at Channelside, the residential and entertainment district at 615 Channelside Drive just east of downtown Tampa. They begin at 9 p.m. You might consider watching the display from the Florida Aquarium, which is only charging $10 after 3 p.m. Typically, the aquarium charges $21.95 for an adult. This way, you can avoid the crowds. Another way to view the fireworks is from the Yacht Starship, which is offering a special July 4^th cruise and dinner from one of their splendid yachts. Yacht Starship also has a yacht in Clearwater, so you can sign up for a dinner cruise there, and catch the Coachman Park fireworks. For more information, go to: Yacht StarShip

Sparklebration Dade City 2012 - Pasco County Fairgrounds 4th of July

There are also some fireworks in Pasco County, but they are nowhere near the water. One, called Sparklebration, is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. Gates open at 4. Admission is $5, parking is $5, but kids 12 and under get in for free. There's a lot going on at this event. Critters to pet. An Elvis impersonator. At least three eating contests (water melon, apple pie and hot dogs). Pony rides. A funny hypnotist. And musical delights such as the fetching Laura Dewees. Bring your lawnchair and blankets, but don't bring any booze or coolers.

Sims Park New Port Richey fireworks show - Pasco County June 30

There is also another fireworks display in Pasco County, but it's not on the fourth. This one is at Sims Park in New Port Richey's historic downtown, and it's on June 30, from 2 to 11 p.m. There will be arts and crafts on display, a Miss Firecracker contest, and a kids' activity area, plus a bunch of bands, including the nationally-known Aerosmith cover band called Draw the Line. For more information, go to: New Port Richey Main Street

July 4th 2012 Busch Gardens Fireworks Show

Busch Gardens has the unique distinction of having fireworks on July 4^th AND June 30 AND pretty much on every night from June 9^th through August 12. It's more of a celebration of the summer than it is a celebration of Independence Day. In fact, it's called Summer Nights. They are set off after that spectacular mix of rock music and acrobatics called Kinetix, that takes place at the Gwazi Park stage. While you are there, try the Cheetah Hunt ride in the dark. Yikes.

O'Brien's Irish Pub in Plant City Hosting Charity Golf Tournament!

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:19:32 GMT

Golfing for Those Less Fortunate

Well, it's time again for one of the biggest charitable events of the year in Plant City -- the golf classic sponsored by O'Brien's Irish Pub (the Plant City O'Brien's, obviously, for those of you who don't know there are O'Brien's Irish pubs in Tampa and Brandon). The classic is in its sixth year, so naturally, it's called the Sixth Annual O'Brien's Plant City Golf Classic. It takes place on June 23, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it'll be at the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. This is a great opportunity to get out there, play some golf, and enjoy good company - and it's all for a good cause. This year, the beneficiary of the Plant City's community's philanthropic effort is the United Food Bank & Services of Plant City, a good group whose mission is to eradicate hunger in East Hillsborough County, and help folks become self-reliant.

If you are interested, you should sign up now, as the tournament is limited to 36 paid teams. Go to: O'Brien's Plant City Golf Classic

Fee Includes:
Golf, Range Balls, Lunch, Beverages, Goody Bags, an O’Brien’s Golf Shirt, Award Ceremony & Buffet @ O’Brien’s Plant City.

Gator Fred's Tampa Announces Killer Deals for Camps and Kids!

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:17:36 GMT

When It's Hot, Go to Gator Fred's. He's Offering Some Great Deals.

Gator Fred's Fun & Party Center, one of the best Tampa indoor jump house and play arenas around, has figured out what to do with those little bundles of energy during these hot, sweltering months in the Sunshine state. There are two groups that need to keep on reading. One? Parents. The second group? Day camps. Both are often at a loss as to what to do with their little charges, especially when it's raining. Fred Medina, the owner of Gator Fred's Tampa, has come up with a couple of ideas designed to give your kids something to do -- and save you some money.

Whatcha Gonna Do With All Those Kids?

First, we'll deal with the camps, you know, like the YMCA, for instance. If the activities directors at these camps need some ideas, Fred suggests they book in advance two-hour time slots at Gator Fred's so the kids can take advantage of its 11,000 square feet of bounce houses and numerous play areas. Gator Fred's will only charge $5 per child (it's usually $8 to get in the door). And, on top of that, he'll throw in a $50 mark-down from what it usually costs the camps to bring a big bounce house to their facilities. Since the bounce houses usually cost upwards of $100, we're talking close to 50 percent off.

But Mom, It's Raining Outside......

Now, let's talk about those parents with their kids at home. Fred is offering this: for $30, a parent can bring a child to Gator Fred's for 30 days in a row. Now, remember it usually costs $8 for one day, so this is quite a deal. We suggest moms buy it, just to have it in their back pockets if the need arises. For two kids, Fred's only going to charge you $50 (not $60, as you might expect). And three kids? $70, not $90.

And remember, Gator Fred's is one of the few places open seven days a week.

Additional Information

Learn more about this Indoor Play Center by visiting their profile: Gator Fred's Fun & Party Center

Gator Fred's Tampa
5360 Ehrlich Road
Tampa Florida 33625
Phone: 813-264-1700

Golf Summer Camps Kids Tampa Bay - Silverado Golf Course Zephyrhills

Tue, 29 May 2012 14:14:30 GMT

Golf Summer Camps for Kids in Zephyrhills, Florida

Listen up young golfers. There's a really cool juniors' golf camp at the resplendent Silverado Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills later this month. It begins June 25th and runs through June 29. There might be a second camp, but that's not assured, so if you're interested in improving your game, we advise you sign up as soon as possible. The camp begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon. Kids from 8 years old to 15 can participate. It costs $150 per young golfer, and, to guarantee your spot, you need to pay in advance. The camp is limited to 24 players. The price of the camp covers golf instruction, lunch, and, on the last day of camp, a 20-foot ice cream sundae. That's not one 20-foot ice cream sundae for everyone. Everyone's got to share. To sign up, best call the Pro Shop at (813) 788-1225.

Pasco County Marina has Customer Appreciation Day | Hudson FL

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:30:47 GMT

Boaters, Party Down. Come To Customer Appreciation Day

Okay, boat owners in Pasco County. Listen up. On Sunday, May 27, Skeleton Key Marina is having a special “Customer Appreciation Day.” It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. It’s sort of a pot-luck affair, with customers chipping in. One is already promising to roast a pig. Another is bringing pasta salad. There will also be hamburgers and hot dogs for the kids. And music, courtesy of a professional sound system. “The customers get to know each other and we’re welcoming new customers, to let them know what we’re all about,” said Jeff Schuyler, the marina harbor master.

BYOB. But they'll provide the fun

Also welcome are boat owners who buy fuel from Skeleton Key Marina, and who may keep their vessels in nearby canals. “It’s going to be a nice party,” Schuyler said. “You can’t miss us.” The food is free, but it’s BYOB in the alcohol department. “Bring your cooler with you and have some fun,” Schuyler said. Skeleton Key Marina is at 6300 Clark St. in Hudson, and is closer to the Gulf of Mexico than any other marina in Pasco County. To learn more about the marina, go to: Pasco County Marina

Best Graduation Cakes Tampa Bay | A Better Cheesecake Clearwater FL

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:14:22 GMT

Graduation Cakes Tampa Bay | A Better Cheesecake Clearwater

It's graduation season. Ceremonies are in full swing – especially at high schools. There are at least 18 high school graduations in Pinellas County in June, and some 27 in Hillsborough.

Now, we know some parents believe they should be the ones celebrated for their children getting that diploma. Oh, how parents have tolerated their teens – their surliness, their leaving everything to the last minute, and, with the girls, the inexplicable bursting into tears. But let’s face it. If your kid is getting that high school diploma, he or she has had something to do with it. What's wrong with a good pat on the back, after spending years pointing a finger in their faces? And what better way to pat them on the back than to order a special cake for them? You know they already like sugar. Have lived off sugar, frankly, for the last four years, if not longer.

This is where Carolyn Janssen comes in. Janssen is the owner of A Better Cheesecake, a long-time bakery specializing in cakes that's located at 2519 N. McMullen-Booth Road in Clearwater. Janssen was once an artist and she brings an artist's flair to her concoctions. We know your teen is primarily interested in the sugar and icing on the cake, but Janssen can transform its shape into virtually anything without sacrificing its delicious taste. She's done cakes in the shape of flip flops, poker tables, cars, pigs, sunglasses, and, yes, she has put together cakes topped with a graduation cap, with a diploma attached. We're sure if you wanted your cake to represent your alma mater's mascot or insignia, she could probably do it in her sleep. Her customers already know this. Last year, she did separate cakes for a pair of graduating twins and in years past for graduating triplets. If you are not one of her customers, you should obviously become one.

Graduation Cakes Clearwater | A Better Cheesecake of Tampa Bay

"A Better Cheesecake" of Clearwater also makes wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and cakes for pretty much any occasion. For more information on this awesome bakery, visit this link: Clearwater Bakery

A Better Cheesecake

2519 N Mcmullen Booth Rd Ste 507
Clearwater, FL 33761
727-725-2295

Don't forget to click and use this printable coupon on your next cake order.

GattiTown Clearwater and Pinellas County Sheriff Has Safety Day

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:18:32 GMT

GattiTown and Pinellas County Sheriff's are Promoting Safety at a Fun Place

Everyone knows GattiTown Clearwater is a good place for kids to let loose and have some fun, but the folks there also want to do their part in helping kids be safe. To that end, the business is teaming up with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for a special safety day this Saturday, as part of the sheriff’s office’s "Live Safe" program. There will be two educational safety presentations at GattiTown, one at 11 a.m. and another at 12:30 p.m. Typically, deputies tell parents and children to be on the look-out for certain behaviors, so the children can remain safe. But they manage to mix in some fun, too. For instance, the kids will leave their fingerprints on a card and have their photos taken. Then, cards with the child’s name, fingerprint and portrait will be given to the parents. This is all free. There's something else that's free, too – the kids' buffet. To get that, an adult has to pay the adult price to eat at the buffet. It’s a killer deal.

Summer Camp at Children's Salon in Tampa

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:14:45 GMT

Tampa Sweet & Sassy offers Summer Camps in 2012

Sweet & Sassy has always been one of our favorite small businesses. You see, mothers bring their daughters here so the daughters can get little makeovers, you know, mini-manicures, cute little haircuts, that kind of thing. Stephanie Diaz, who runs the Sweet and Sassy at 14361 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, enjoys letting little girls be princesses for the day.

Glam Week Summer Camp Details

Starting June 12, she'll be starting a summer camp called Glam Week. It runs Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and each day has a theme. You can drop your daughter off for just one day of the week if you’d like, or she can go all four days. These glam weeks go on until Aug. 17 , so it’ll work if you don’t have anything planned for a particular week, or if you just want to drop your kid off for a couple of hours so you can go get a facial yourself. It costs $35 if you want to drop your daughter off for a day, and $129 for the four-day packages. Oh, and while we are on the subject of cool deals, we’d like to mention that every Tuesday, anyone four years old or younger gets a haircut for $10. And Tuesday through Friday, if a parent pays for a haircut for one child, the price of the second haircut is cut in half.

Have any additional questions?

Sweet & Sassy of Tampa (Citrus Park)
14361 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa FL 33618
(813) 963-5437

Free Seminar in Tarpon Springs on Health and Fitness.

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:50:50 GMT

A Free Seminar to Help You Look and Feel Great.

Are you feeling bad about the way you look? Are you feeling depressed or low-energy? Many people think they know what to do and never incorporate it into their lifestyle. Are you making a good faith effort with diet and exercise, but you’re not getting the results you want? You need help with some professional advice. On the morning of May 19, in Tarpon Springs, two professionals will be at PMR Elite Fitness & Massage in Tarpon Springs to help you. Connie Russo, the owner of PMR, is a licensed massage therapist and a certified personal and group fitness instructor. The other professional is Gloria Constantas, who is a licensed hypnotherapist and a counselor. The pair are giving a free seminar that begins at 8:30 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m. Connie and Gloria will talk about the benefits of exercise, strength training, aerobics, good nutrition, as well as other things. In short, they’ll tell you how to reshape your body – and your lifestyle. Connie will inspire you as she instructs you how to stretch and perform certain exercises. If you go, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes, and bring a towel and water bottle.Remember. This is a free event. There will be door prizes, and specials on training sessions, massages and foot detoxification.

PMR is located at 40735 U.S. 19.

Grind House Bar & Grill has Cinco de Mayo Party!

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:59:04 GMT

The Grind House Bar & Grill in Clearwater has a way of celebrating special holidays with special specials, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. The partying begins in earnest at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 (duh). The pub, which is located at 1500 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, is offering 99-cent tacos, $5 fish tacos, $2.50 margaritas and coronas, plus shots of Patron tequila at $5 a pop. And, as usual, the Grind House has its usual excellent food, like the chicken enchiladas. Plus there will be give-aways -- hats, t-shirts, that kind of thing. So go on down

More Details on The Grind House Facebook Page

Grind House Printable Savings

Mother's Day Tampa Bay 2012 | Florist in Tampa | Brunches in Tampa

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:51:52 GMT

Mother's Day Brunch and Flower Recommendations for Tampa Bay 2012

Ah yes, Mother’s Day. It’s the day we recognize our mothers for the gentle heroes they are, the ones we turned to for some understanding when we did something wrong, who brought us chicken soup when we were sick. Mother’s Day is also the day mom can out-and-out refuse to cook, with obvious justification. So why not take her to brunch? And buy her flowers while you’re at it. We’ll first suggest restaurants, then florists, then anything else we can think of.

The Garden Shed Florist in Clearwater FL

One of our favorite florists in the area is the Garden Shed Florist in Clearwater. It has a wide variety of blooming and green plants, as well as fresh arrangements. If you have an arrangement delivered (in the city of Clearwater, more or less), mom gets a free Mother's Day Mylar balloon. You can call them at (727) 725-0841 or 1-800-652-3444. The Garden Shed also has a great web site, through which you can place an order. It's http://www.mygardenshedflorist.com/

A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts

Want flowers delivered in Lutz? You might want to try A-Bow-K Florist & Gifts, at 17420 U.S. Highway 41 N., in Lutz. They have a whole bunch of special bouquets for mom, with everything from pink roses to fresh spring flowers. You can call them at (813) 949-5683 or 1-800-505-5683.

Downtown Tampa Florist

Downtown Tampa? Try Downtown Tampa Florist at 705 W. Platt St. We like the lavendar love bouquet, the passionate purple tulips, and the daisy daydreams. They have some cool extras like stuffed animals and chocolate specials. You can call them at 1-888-325-8056 or order at their web site at http://www.downtowntampaflorist.net/mothers-day-flowers-97c.asp?topnav=TopNav

Now we'll get into the Mother's Day Brunch recommendations in Tampa

The Columbia Restaurant - Ybor City - Tampa, FL

Naturally, the Columbia Restaurant is having Mother’s Day specials at its six locations peppered throughout the state of Florida. The three we’re recommending – because they are in the area – are in Ybor City, in St. Petersburg at The Pier, and in Clearwater Beach on Sand Key. If you went to any of them for Easter brunch, you know what quality to expect. One of the Mother’s Day entrées that has our collective mouths watering is something the Columbia calls the mahi-mahi “Torremolinos” – a grilled piece of boneless mahi-mahi topped with Gulf shrimp, sundried tomatoes and caper saffron sauce. It’s served with snap peas and yellow rice. To make reservations, go to http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/reservations.asp. At the Columbia Cafe, on the Riverwalk in Tampa, which is open, you can see the water, but there are no Mother's Day specials.

Bon Appetit Restaurant Mother's Day - Dunedin, FL

Some of those Columbia restaurants have waterfront views – like the one at The Pier in St. Petersburg. One restaurant in Pinellas County that has a killer waterfront view is the Bon Appétit restaurant in Dunedin, from where you can see St. Joseph Sound, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island. The Mother’s Day buffet, which runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., is in the Crystal Ballroom, and the selections are tremendous, whether it’s the breast of chicken with marsala sauce, or that old stand-by, roast prime rib of beef au jus. It’s 44.95 per person, plus gratuity and tax. If you prefer a sit-down dinner, there’s that, too, in the dining room, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rack of lamb with the pistachio crust looks yummy. To make an online reservation, please go to: http://www.bonappetitrestaurant.com/reservation.html.

SHOR Restaurant Mothers Day - Clearwater Beach

Another spectacular view is available at the SHOR restaurant, located on the second floor of the resplendent Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (The address for both hotel and restaurant is 301 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach). We’re guessing the street is called Gulfview Boulevard because, you know, you can see the Gulf of Mexico from it. In any event, SHOR’s is offering a Mother's Day brunch. It lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price for an adult is $45; for a child, $21. There will be a seafood bar, a vegetable and bruschetta station, a soup station, made-to-order omelets, and old war horses like prime rib and turkey. You can call the restaurant at (727) 373-4780 or make a reservation online by going to the restaurant’s web site at http://www.shorgrill.com/hpr/shor/en/clearwater/events_specials.html

Island Way Grill Mother's Day - Clearwater Beach

Down the street is the Island Way Grill, at 20 Island Way, Clearwater. There mom can also get a view of the water, though it’ll be the Intracoastal Waterway she’s staring at and not the Gulf of Mexico. The Mother’s Day buffet runs from 10 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. It’ll have a breakfast and lunch feel to it in the beginning and then switch over to a dinner feel at around 3 and 4 p.m. It’s a tad more extravagant than the typical Island Way Grill buffet. There will be four different cuts of meat (and, if’s anything like the Easter Sunday brunch, there will be a pig roast), along with a pasta station, sushi rolls, peel-and-eat shrimp, and crawfish, as well as salads, fruits and an array of desserts. The cost is $31.95 for an adult, and $12.95 for children ten years old and under. To make a reservation, call the restaurant at (727) 461-6617.

Chart House - Tampa, FL - Mother's Day 2012

On the other side of Tampa Bay, the Chart House, which is at 7616 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, also offers a Mother’s day brunch with a waterfront view. It begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. For an adult, the cost is $39.95. Children 12 years old and under can eat for $14.95. It'll be a special menu – with entrees including prime rib, pork loin and tilapia with a macadamia nut crust. You can make reservations online at their website, which is http://www.chart-house.com/opentable_form.asp, or you can make a reservation by phone by calling (813) 289 7773.

Rusty Pelican Mother's Day - Tampa, FL

Another restaurant on the Tampa side of the bay, that has a pretty nice view, is the Rusty Pelican, at 2425 North Rocky Point Drive. Its Mother’s Day brunch buffet begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m., and if you are interested you better make a reservation now (since the block of time from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. is already taken). It’s $46 for an adult, and children 6 to 10 can eat for $21. There’s a meat carving station, a raw seafood bar, pastas, omelets, and favorites like bananas foster, plus a so-called chocolate fountain, which showcases desserts. To make a reservation, you can either call the restaurant at (813) 281-1943, or make a reservation online at http://tampa.therustypelican.com/rustypelicantampa/contact_us.aspx

Yacht StarShip Tampa - Mother's Day 2012

So far, we put forward some restaurants that have waterfront views. Another option is to dine with the water all around you. You can do that on the Yacht Starship Tampa. There are two brunch cruises, with boarding at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. And there’s one dinner cruise, with boarding at 5:30 p.m. The price for adults is $44.95 (plus tax, port fee and gratuity), and $29.95 for children (plus tax, port fee and gratuity). To make a reservation, go to: http://www.yachtstarship.com/#!special-events

Tampa Bay Beaches | Family Activities in Tampa | Things to do Tampa

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:52:56 GMT

Parents are often at their wits' end when it comes to figuring out things to do with their young'uns (not the teenagers, they're into "The Hunger Games,"). So we are going to run a general blog on children's activities in the Tampa Bay area as we come across them. Some of them will be free. Some won't. Some will occur repeatedly. Some won't. Here we go.

One of the best - and certainly one of the cheapest – places to take your kids is the beach. Typically, the only thing you have to feed, aside from your child, is the parking meter.

But we'd like to give you a couple of safety tips before we give you a run-down of the area's selections. Make sure you watch your kids like a hawk as they frolic in the surf. Make sure you have applied plenty of sunscreen on those kids -- and yourself -- before you start watching them frolic in the surf. And be careful about allowing them to use floatable devices in the water. While we don't have the same concerns here about rip tides that they do on the east coast, a nice wind can carry that float, with your kid on it, out to sea in no time.

Okay, here are our selections. (As an added bonus, we're including the number of parking spaces at each beach when that information is available).
First, we'll tackle the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico because, you know, you'd rather be swimming in the Gulf than in Tampa Bay or, say, a retention pond in Polk County.

Beaches along Southern Pinellas County - Tampa Bay Beaches

St Pete Beaches | Pass-A-Grille | Upham Beach

Image Credit: Source

It's easy to drive to because of Interstate 275, and it was recently named TripAdvisor's No. 1 Beach. Now that the spring breakers have returned to school, and the snowbirds have gone home, it might not be that difficult an excursion.
There are several beaches in this beach city with public access -- the one on Pass-A-Grille, which is at the southernmost tip of St. Pete Beach, and which has 616 metered parking spaces, as spelled out in the 90s by Pinellas County and the state. (Their report is old, yes, but Pinellas is pretty developed, so we doubt there are that many more parking spaces now than there were then).
There are two farther north, the one across the street from the Publix supermarket in the Dolphin Village shopping plaza at 4655 Gulf Blvd. (235 metered spaces, per same report); and Upham Beach, at 6800 Beach Plaza (198 metered spaces). These are all solid family-oriented beaches.
For a more complete portrait of what the city has to offer, check out these web sites: The best of St Pete Beach and St Pete Beach Offical Site

Fort DeSoto Park - Dog Friendly Beach in Tampa Bay

Image Credit: Source

Often also vying for best-beach-in-the-country is Fort DeSoto Park, which is in the same general area as St. Pete Beach. This is also a dog friendly beach. For info, go to: Fort DeSoto Park
There are 3,252 parking spaces, two dog parks, a fishing pier.

Treasure Island FL | Area Beaches in Florida

Sunset Beach

Image Credit: Source

A few minutes north of the St. Pete Beach beaches is one NOT so family-oriented. This one is for the young and in-shape and partying crowd. It's called Sunset Beach and it stretches from 79th to 81st avenues in Treasure Island. But beware. There are fewer than 100 spaces.

Treasure Island Municipal Beaches

There are two other municipal beaches in Treasure Island -- one at 104th Avenue (67 spaces); and another one at 112th Avenue (139 spaces). See Treasure Island Beaches

Madeira Beach and John's Pass Village Things to do

There are also three beaches in Madeira Beach: Archibald Park (120 spaces); County Park (104 spaces); and one at the southern tip of the city, across Gulf Boulevard from Johns Pass Village, with roughly 130 spaces. They are all mapped out at this web site: Madeira Beach Official Site

Beaches along Northern Pinellas County FL

Indian Rocks Beach, FL

If you've noticed, we started at the southernmost point of Pinellas County and are proceeding north. We're not going to go into too much detail on the ones where access and parking is a little tricky. It's great that Indian Rocks Beach has 27 points at which you can get onto the beach, but parking is a little dicey. One at 1700 Gulf Blvd. has 79 metered spots. The city's web site is Indian Rocks Beach
In Redington Shores, there's a beach at 18200 Gulf Blvd., with 170 spaces. See: Redington Shores

Clearwater Beach, FL - Tampa Bay's Most Popular Beach

Image Credit: Source

Okay, now we have arrived at the big enchilada of the Gulf beaches – Clearwater Beach, where just about everybody goes. According to the city's web site, there are 803 spaces in lots of varying size peppered throughout the barrier island, plus 270 spots on the street. See the web site at: Clearwater Beach Offical Website
For a little less hustle and bustle, drive west over a resplendent bridge and go to Sand Key County Park, which is a combination park- and- beach, and which has 674 metered spots.

Honeymoon Island State Park - Best For Shelling

Photo Credit: Justin Wright

We're going to continue our tour north, with a quick jag to a couple of beaches known for their natural beauty. The first is Honeymoon Island State Park, which can be reached by driving across the Dunedin Causeway. In addition to the beach, there is a park with several nature trails, and many shells to collect. According to that old report we have mentioned, there are 1,005 paved and 3,000 unpaved spots. There are various entrance fees to the park, depending on when and how you are arriving, but no parking fees per se. For more information, go to:

Caladesi Island State Park near Duneidin FL

From that same causeway in Dunedin, you can take a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park, which is one of the only completely-natural islands off Florida's gulf coast. In addition to a luscious beach, there is a three-mile nature trail through the island´s interior and a three-mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. For more information, go to:

Tarpon Springs Area Beaches

Back to the mainland. Farther north remain the only two significant Pinellas County beaches we haven't discussed, both of which are in Tarpon Springs. One is Sunset Beach, at 1800 Gulf Blvd., which has 70 paved spaces, according to that old report; the other is Fred Howard Park, at 1700 Sunset Drive, which has 784 paved parking spaces, and 100 additional unpaved ones on the causeway leading to the park. For more information on Fred Howard Park, go to: Tarpon Springs Area Beaches

Beaches in Pasco County FL

Okay, we're going to continue north, into Pasco County, but with an advisory. We won't have the number of parking spaces. In a way, it doesn't matter as much, because the beaches in Pasco County are not so much final destinations for outsiders as they are for the locals. Ergo, there are fewer people fighting over parking spaces. And the locals already know about these beaches, so we're going to give you names, addresses, and the links, and that's about it. (And we are including only those parks where people can swim, because that's what people go to beaches for primarily).

Here's a few.

Anclote River Park, 1119 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL
Moon Lake Park, 8985 Lake Dr., New Port Richey, FL (you'd be swimming in a lake here, not the gulf).
Robert K. Rees Memorial Park, 4835 Green Key Road, New Port Richey, FL
Hudson Beach aka Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, 6345 Clark St., Hudson, FL

Here's the link for all of them: Visit Pasco

Here's one more:

Brasher Park, 4951 Koons Road, Port Richey, FL Brasher Park

Other Less popular Tampa Bay Area Beaches

Up to now, we've been discussing those pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Now we are headed east, to beaches that do not overlook the gulf, but rather different bays. Like the Pasco beaches, some of these will primarily be of interest to local denizens, and not tourists. Others are for those that like to bring their dogs, which you can't do generally at Gulf beaches.

Gulfport Beaches | Gulfport FL

In Gulfport, there's a beach in the city's waterfront district, overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. It might be a good place to go if you're checking out Gulfport for other reasons. Here's the link: Gulfport Beaches

Maximo Park Beach | St Petersburg FL

There is also a beach in St. Petersburg that overlooks Boca Ciega Bay. It's Maximo Park, at 6500 34th St. S., and while it has other attractive features, its beach is on the small side. Two other St. Petersburg beaches are located on the city's downtown waterfront – one is at North Shore Park, Second Avenue Northeast, and the other one is at The Pier. For information on all three of these beaches, see: Saint Peteresburg Beaches

There are also two rather popular beaches along causeways or bridges linking Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. People tend to like them because there are no parking meters to feed, they can bring their dogs, and they can drink their beer, preferably out of a can. One is the informally named Gandy Beach, which is on the south side of the Gandy Bridge. There's no link to give you because it's an informal place people know by word of mouth, not through Facebook. The other one is the Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach, which is on the western end of the Courtney Campbell Parkway.

Ben T. Davis Beach - Courtney Campbell Causeway Beaches

On the eastern end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is one of Tampa's few beaches - the Ben T. Davis Beach, at 7740 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway. This one has lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day, according to Tampa's web site. So does Picnic Island Park, in Port Tampa.

Here's another one in Tampa, but it doesn't have lifeguards: Davis Islands Park, 864 Severn Ave.

For information on Tampa's few beaches, go to: Tampa Beaches

Summer Camps Tampa 2012 | Summer Sports Programs

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:56:46 GMT

Looking for a guide to Athletic Summer Camps in the Tampa Bay Area? Then look no futher, If there's a camp out there designed for a particular sport, be it tennis, soccer, or bowling, we'll find it. Below we've listed several sports camps to assist you in keeping your kids active this summer. If you're looking for a summer camp designed for the Arts, we've got you covered there too. We recently wrote a blog about Arts & Music here: Summer Art Camps Tampa 2012.

Hillsborough Community College Summer Camp 2012 | Tampa FL

There are a couple of nice sports camps at the Hillsborough Community College tennis courts complex at 3901 Tampa Bay Blvd. in Tampa. They are run by Tampa Tennis. One is a tennis camp, naturally. Players are divided into groups to address their skill level. The ages of the kids range from 4 to 16, and the camp is held Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. You can pick a weeklong camp from June 11 through Aug. 17. During the same time period, Tampa Tennis also offers a sports jam camp, where attendees play golf, soccer, baseball, basketball and flag football, in addition to tennis. For more information go to: HCC Summer Camp 2012

University of Tampa Summer Camp 2012 in Tampa FL

The coaches at the University of Tampa have some great summer sports programs – boys' baseball camps, boys' basketball camps, girls' basketball camps, boys' soccer camps, girls' soccer camps, softball camps, volleyball camps. They are held at a variety of places. If interested, it's best to go to the website, which has links to the individual programs. The web site is: UT Sports Camp Summer 2012

Extreme Youth Sports Summer Camp Program in Tampa FL

Extreme Youth Sports has a summer sports camp, which you would expect with a company name like that. The interesting thing about Extreme Youth Sports camps is that the company has three locations, which we are going to give you, so you can decide which is closest to your home. The one in Tampa is at 4920 Newkirk Drive. The one in Brandon is at 1118 N. Parsons Ave., and the one in Riverview is at 13498 US Highway 301 S. It's our understanding that Extreme You Sports caters to specific neighborhoods. Included in the summer camp program is an array of offerings – karate, flag football, soccer, and kickball, among others. But there's also dancing and arts and crafts. The web site is: Extreme Youth Sports Summer Camp 2012 Tampa Bay

The Seal Swim School | Swimming Summer Camps in Lutz FL

Okay, this is a sports camp of a certain kind. The Seal Swim School offers a program for children 4 to 12 years old that includes swim lessons. It runs from June 11 through Aug. 17, and you can either sign up for a week or the whole summer. We like this program because there are two counselors for every 15 kids. And there's extended care so you don't have to break your neck in traffic trying to pick your kid up by a certain time. The location is at 19501 Holly Lane in Lutz. Here's the web site: Summer Swimming Camp 2012 Lutz, FL

Tampa Bay Skating Academy Summer Camp in Tampa FL

Now here are a couple of cool camps. Literally. They are run by the Tampa Bay Skating Academy. One is at the academy's Countryside facility at 27001 U.S. 19 N. and it's to improve your figure skating. There is one one-week camp in June, another in July. These are not for beginners; they are geared toward kids who are pretty good figure skaters to begin with. Now, to learn how to skate, you would have to go to TBSA's facility in Oldsmar, which is at 255 Forest Lakes Blvd. in Oldsmar. They have a cool ice skating summer camp for kids 4 to 12 and they welcome beginners for this one. It runs June 11 to Aug. 3, and the all-day camps are a week long. For more information, go to: Skating Camp Tampa Bay 2012

Tampa Bay Lightning Summer Camp in Brandon FL

Speaking of skating, the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team holds a summer camp in Brandon, at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, from July 9 through July 13. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Each day is devoted to helping both boys and girls improve their hockey and power-skating skills, and to become more physically conditioned. For more information, go to: Tampa Bay Lighting Summer Camp 2012

Bayside Gymnastics and Cheerleading Summer Camp Programs in St. Pete FL

Bayside Gymnastics and Cheerleading, at 4400 34th St. N., in St. Petersburg, has gymnastics summer camp for children 5 to 13 years old. Sessions start June 11 and run through Aug. 17, and both half- and full-day camps are available, with post-camp day care. Among other things, the children are run through a slew of gymnastics exercises, which should leave them stronger and more flexible. For more information, go to: Gymnastics and Cheerleading Summer Camp in St Pete

Apollo School of Gymnastics Summer Camp in Clearwater

Another gymnastics school offering summer camp sessions is the Apollo School of Gymnastics, at 2140 Range Road, Clearwater. Here, too, you'll learn gymnastics, plus arts and crafts and other cool stuff. There is a field trip every Wednesday, and every Thursday is Splash Day, which sort of stands for outdoor water play. Full- and half-day sessions are available. The Apollo's web site is: Gymnastics Summer Camp - Clearwater FL

Clearwater Christian College Sports Camp in Clearwater

Clearwater Christian College, at 3400 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., has several sports camps, but it should probably be pointed out that the coaches emphasize these camps are in a Christian setting. Overnights are available. There is a one-week camp for girls' basketball (ages 8 to 17), for boys' basketball (8 to 17), and for soccer (8 to 17), and there are two one-week camps for female high-school volleyball players. For more information, and to register, go to the college's web site: Sports Camp in Clearwater

Clearwater Community Sailing Center Summer Camp Programs

The Clearwater Community Sailing Center, at 1001 Gulf Blvd., in Clearwater has an excellent summer camp program with an emphasis on, you guessed it, sailing. Campers can be 5 to 17 years old, and at the end of the summer is a regatta, which is sort of appropriate. The weeklong camp sessions begin June 4 and end Aug. 10, and there's a week off in July. Windsurfing is also offered, as long as you are at least ten years old. There are a whole lot of other cool things about this camp. High-speed catamaran sailing is available. And there's a camp designed for disabled kids. Check it out at: Sailing Summer Camp

Eckerd College Watersports Summer Camps in St Petersburg FL

Eckerd College, at 4200 54th Ave. S., has one of the most impressive summer camp programs in the Tampa Bay area. Here you can receive instruction in sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and saltwater fishing. The reason the college can offer such a stunning selection of water sports is that it is located on Boca Ciega Bay. Kids 6 to 17 can find something. Sessions run from June 4 through August 3, and they run in the afternoon or in the morning, but not both. For more information, go to: Watersports Summer Camps in St Petersburg FL

GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps | Summer Programs in Tampa

Get this. There is even a lacrosse camp in Tampa, though it lasts for only a week. It's run by GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps, a national company. There will be three groups of young lacrosse players – one group of kids in the third, fourth and fifth grades, another composed of kids in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, and a third made up of kids in the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. The camps typically last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tampa's week-long camp is at Anderson Elementary School June 11 through June 14. There are separate camps for both boys and girls. For more information, go to: Lacrosse Summer Camps in Tampa

Indian Rocks Christian School Summer Camps in Largo FL

The Indian Rocks Christian School, at 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, has an impressive summer sports camp lineup and is one of the few, we believe, that has a wrestling camp. There are also a football camp, a cheerleading camp and a golf camp among the school's ten offerings. The camps last a week, and they start on June 11 and end on July 13. For more information, go to: Sports Summer Camps in Largo FL

Innisbrook Golf Summer Camps in Palm Harbor

Naturally, you would expect the Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort, at 36750 U.S. 19 N., to have a golf clinic, and it does. It also has a tennis camp. They run from June 11 through Aug. 16. The tennis camps run Monday through Thursday, and there are sessions for children 3 to 10 years old, 6 to 10, and 10 to 18. The golf clinic is for kids 7 to 16. There is also an interesting session that incorporates tennis instruction, golf instruction and swimming. This one's for kids 7 to 14. For specific times and prices, go to the resort's web site at: Golf Summer Camps in Palm Harbor

Martial Arts Advantage Summer Camp in Tampa

For the aspiring martial arts practitioner, Martial Arts Advantage, which has two locations, has both half-day and full-day camps. One location is at 234A E. Bearss Ave. in North Tampa; the other, at 3311 S. Dale Mabry Highway in south Tampa. The first week of camp begins June 11, the last Aug. 13, and each week has a particular theme (we like ‘board breaking camp.'). You get a break in price if you register before May 11. For more information, go to the web site at: Karate Summer Camps Tampa

Tampa Bay Rays Summer Camp in St. Petersburg, FL

The Tampa Bay Rays are holding summer camps for baseball players, but not all of them are in the Tampa Bay area (one is in Port Charlotte). The camp that we know of that's local is the senior advanced camp, for children 14 through 17, that runs from June 18 through 22. It's at the Raymond Naimoli Sports Complex, at 7901 30th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL. For more information, go to: Tampa Bay Rays Summer Camp 2012

USF Summer Camp for Kids in Wesley Chapel

The University of South Florida has some great soccer camps and they're all over the place – at the USF campus, the West Chase soccer fields, the JC Handley complex in Brandon, the Wesley Chapel District Park, and the Fishhawk Sports Complex, among other places. There are also some outside the Tampa Bay area, but the ones in the Tampa Bay area run June 11 through July 25. For more information, go to: Summer Camps in Wesley Chapel

We're sure we missed some, but we think we nabbed more than we missed. If you know of any other great Summer Programs in the Tampa Bay area, feel free to comment below.

Summer Camps Tampa 2012 | Summer Art Programs

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:13:24 GMT

The following is a guide for Summer Camps in the Tampa Bay Area - more specifically summer art programs for kids. These summer programs geared toward the artistically-inclined child – a future Baryshnikov, a future John Coltrane, a future Marlon Brandon, a future Jackson Pollock. Now, there are weeks-long summer camps in the Tampa Bay area that include classes on the arts. We're going to leave those for another day. These camps focus on artistic activity exclusively. And here's the thing. While these don't start until June, you have to register pretty much now. In fact, one of them is already full. Go figure. So read, pick one, and sign up your loved one.

Hillsborough County Summer Art Camp Programs 2012

Summer Camp Programs at the Straz Center for The Performing Arts

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for The Performing Arts Summer Program in Tampa kicks off on June 11, with classes galore – including an intensive ballet class for children from the second through twelfth grades; musical theatre dancing, including tap, for children from the second through eighth grades; and a four-day class designed so children from second through fourth grade can explore all the instruments played in an orchestra and maybe decide to pursue one. For more information see: Patel Conservatory Summer Program 2012

Tampa Museum of Art Summer Camp Classes 2012

The Tampa Museum of Art has a series of art classes for children ages 6 to 14, and the classes are all a week long. What's interesting about the series is that your child can go for either a half-day or the full day. Another thing that's interesting is that children close in age attend the same classes: One, for instance, is for kids 9 to 11, another for kids 6 to 8. These classes are for kids interested in drawing and painting, working with materials and mixed media. For more information, go to: Summer Art Classes at The Tampa Museum of Art

The Dance Center in Brandon Summer Camps 2012

The Dance Center in Brandon has three interesting camps – the Ballerina Princess Camp for girls 4 to 6, Ballet Arts Camp for children 7 and older (for both the beginner and the experienced), and the Acrobatics Summer Camp. Registration has already begun, but the classes weren't full as of early April. The place is located at 161 East Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon. For more information, go to: Summer Programs at The Dance Center - Brandon FL

Florida Academy of Performing Arts Brandon FL Summer Camps

The Florida Academy of Performing Arts has an all-day camp for kids ages 5 to 9, from June 25 through June 29. Among the offerings are beginning guitar, beginning violin, and acting. There's a second camp for the same age group, from July 9 to July 13, with the same offerings. The academy also has two sets of all-day camps for 9 to 12 year olds. The first is from June 18 to June 22, the second from July 23 through July 27. The offerings are the same as they are for the younger set. The camps are held at the Music Showcase, at 402 Oakfield Drive, Brandon, FL. For more information, go to: Summer Camps at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts Brandon

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Summer Camp in Tampa

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, in downtown Tampa, is offering photography classes this summer for two age groups – 7 to 10 years old, and 11 to 15 years old. Each is five days long. The two week-long classes for the younger group begin on June 25 and July 16; for the older group, June 18 and July 9. You should really call them at (813) 221-2222, and check with their web site, for further information. Here's the web site: Florida Museum of Photographic Summer Program

Musical Auditions for "Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior" by Stage Works

Aspiring actors in the 8th to 12th grade age group (that is, students who are entering those grades this fall) are encouraged to audition for the musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie Junior," which is being produced by Stage Works in downtown Tampa. Auditions are on April 15, May 6, May 20, and June 10. For their auditions, students should prepare a musical number in the style of the show, have a CD to go with it, and also prepare a monologue. The camp is from July 9 through July 27, with performances of the show on July 27, 28, and 29. For more information, email actupforkids@yahoo.com

The Tampa Theater Film Camp 2012

Now, just to impress upon you how important it is to sign up your kid immediately, we're going to mention The Tampa Theatre Film Camp, where kids from grades three to seven go to a one-week camp to learn the basics of film-making. According to the program's web site, all eight half-day classes are sold out. Don't believe us: Check out the web site: The Tampa Theatre Film Summer Camp

Pinellas County Summer Camps for Art, Theater & Music

The Hoffman Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall Summer Camp in Clearwater

The Hoffman Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater also has a series of arts-oriented summer programs which also begins on June 11. These are designed for children ages 8 to 18. Some are for kids as they prepare to join their high school jazz band. For others, such as a theatre production, children have to audition. Some are modeled after popular shows, such as "Glee;" others after classics, such as "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. For more information, go to: Ruth Eckerd Hall Summer Camps 2012

First Presbyterian Church Summer Theater Program | St Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, there's a summer theater program run at First Presbyterian Church by American Stage. There is one set of classes for children 5 to 12 years old, including some concentrating on comedy, clowning and mystery theatre. Another is for children 13 through 17 years old: one class is a short week-long session on improvisation, another is a three-week class culminating in a performance of a version of "Fiddler On The Roof." There are many, many more for both age groups, spread out over the summer months. For more information, go to: American Stage Summer Camp at First Presbyterian Church St Pete

The Dali Museum 2012 Summer Camps | St. Petersburg FL

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg has an interesting camp, and, apparently, a popular one. It's called the Junior Docent Program. Yeah, we didn't know what a docent was, either, until we looked it up. In the museum business, a docent is someone who helps others understand the works of art they are seeing. In this one-week camp, kids 9 to 12 years old are exposed to the works of Dali in the museum, then, after the week, they give a presentation as to what they've learned. Sound far-fetched? Well, last we heard, the program was sold out, with folks signing a waiting list. For more information, go to: Summer Camps at The Dali

Musical Theater Camp at St. Petersburg College for kids 2012

St. Petersburg College has a lot of summer programs, but the one that focuses exclusively on the arts is a musical theatre camp for grades six through twelve. It begins July 9 and lasts until Aug. 3, and culminates in a performance of "Godspell." The program takes place every day from 9 am to 3 pm, at the SPJ campus in Clearwater at 2465 Drew St. For more information, please see the college web site at: SPC Summer Camps for kids

Abba Dabba Theatre Camp | Perkins Elementary & Seminole High

We love the name of this one: the Abba Dabba Theatre Summer Camp 2012. One of the camps is at Perkins Elementary School in St. Petersburg, the other at Seminole High School in Seminole. They are for kids four to 18 years old, and typically last a week or two weeks. The offerings are pretty cool, and include improvisation, acting and musical theatre. For more information, please see: Abba Dabba Theatre Summer Camps

Oakhurst United Methodist Church Summer Camps 2012 | Seminole

Here's another one with a pretty cool name, and an appropriate one, too, considering what kind of camp it is: The Bravo Center for the Performing Arts. It runs its summer camp at Oakhurst United Methodist Church, at 13400 Park Blvd. in Seminole. It's for kids 6 through 17. There are two three-week camps, and they last from 9 am to 3:30 p.m. Here's a special bonus – pre-camp and post-camp day care is available, so you don't have to break your neck in traffic trying to pick up junior. For more information, please see: The Bravo Center for the Performing Arts

BB's Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay - Summer Camp Clearwater

This camp is for the prospective circus performer. BB's Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay runs classes during the school year, too, but from June 11 through August 17, it holds what it calls summer intensives on such topics as contortion, juggling, hand-balancing and trapeze. Anyone from eight up can take these classes, which run one to three weeks (depending on what part of the summer you're interested in) from 9 am to 3 pm. The place is in Clearwater, at 1610 N. Hercules Ave. For more information, visit: BB's Dance & Circus Arts Summer Program

Largo Cultural Center Summer Theatre Camp in Pinellas County

The Largo Cultural Center has some cool summer theatre camps. One, for children 8 to 13 years old, is called "Seussical Jr.," and centers around the character, Horton the Elephant. That one runs from June 11 through June 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The other is for children 12 to 18, and runs from July 16 through Aug. 4. This one's called "The Music Man Jr.," and it's about a fast-talking con-man who eventually sees the light. For more information, go to: 2012 Summer Theatre Camp at Largo Cultural Center

Indoor Jump House in Tampa Gets a Massage Chair

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:04:30 GMT

Tampa Bounce House Has Something New For Moms And Dads. "Florida Fun Jump" adds Massage Chair to Pamper Parents While Children Play

Competition is pretty stiff in the bounce house industry. So says Patti Anselmo, who with her husband owns Florida Fun Jump, that fun place at 11238 W. Hillsborough Ave. where your kids can jump around on inflatables without getting hurt.

In addition to Florida Fun Jump, there are two other bounce houses in the immediate area, and Anselmo heard through the grapevine that at least one of them had a massage chair. Anselmo likes to stay competitive in her field, so she got one, too.
This is how it works. Someone sits in the chair, inserts a dollar, and feels the chair giving her or him a massage about the neck and lower back for two minutes, Anselmo said. Florida Fun Jump gets 50 cents for each dollar.
It's hard to tell how many people have put that dollar into the chair, which was acquired roughly a month ago. The business that owns the chair has yet to come by and take the cash out, so Anselmo has no way of knowing the number of adults who have actually been massaged by the automated piece of furniture.

What she does know is that some people have tried using the massage chair as a place to sit, but an automated voice urges them to put a dollar in once their derriere has landed. Apparently there's no such thing as a free ride on the chair – or an uninterrupted sit.
The chair isn't the only thing Patti and her husband have brought in so parents have something to do while their children play. Florida Fun Jump also has a treadmill, stationary bicycle, and an elliptical machine. Unlike the massage chair, however, they don't cost anything.
On the other hand, a buck for a massage ain't a bad deal, especially in this economy.

Indoor Fun Center at Florida Fun Jump

11238 W. Hillsborough Ave.

Tampa, FL 33635

813-814-5867

Easter Events Tampa Bay 2012 - Easter Egg Hunts

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:28:21 GMT

Easter Events and Egg Hunts Tampa Bay 2012

Easter egg hunts...It used to be the adults would hide those tiny plastic oblong orbs behind trees or under furniture, and the kids would make a go of it. But these little searches in the Tampa Bay area have gotten bigger, and way more interesting...

Now, you can look for those eggs while riding a horse, or swimming under water. And sometimes those eggs are dropped from the sky by helicopters (We're not kidding). And, if you'd rather watch a bunch of apes, rather than children, look in their environs for that special cache, well, you have that option, too (Again, we're not kidding).

So, here's a run-down of those interesting Easter egg hunts. And don't worry. We've included many of the garden-variety hunts, too, you know, the kind where the adults have hidden those plastic eggs under rocks, in the crook of trees, in ditches...

2012 Horseback Easter Egg Hunt in Tampa Bay Area

The Saddle Up Riding Club, which is based in Pinellas Park, is sponsoring an Easter egg hunt on horseback. You literally get ponied up on horseback and look for eggs that are hidden in buckets on the club's property at 6080 94th Ave. Children from 1 to 16 can take part, but we imagine the adults are keeping a close eye on the toddler equestrians. No reservations needed. Just go there and ride. Oh, and bring your own Easter basket. The hunt is on Saturday, April 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. There are also animals to pet. To participate in the egg hunt costs $5. There are games, too; they cost $1. Food and drinks cost $1 to $3. There will be snow cones, pop corn, cotton candy, hot dogs and drinks. For more information, you can call (727) 520-3132 or go to: http://www.saddleupridingclub.org/whats_new.html.

Helicopter Easter Egg Drop at Cypress Point Community Church

Our second favorite offering is the Bunny Egg-stravaganza & Helicopter Egg Drop at Cypress Point Community Church, which is at 15820 Morris Bridge Road in Tampa. This hunt is on Saturday, April 7, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are actually three helicopter drops: one at 10:45 a.m., another at 11:45 a.m., and a third at 12:45 a.m. All told, some 25,000 plastic eggs will be dropped, and some will contain candy and toys. Children are separated by age groups in three fields, so they don't trample each other trying to gather up eggs. And only children up through the last grade in elementary school can participate (Middle schoolers and high schoolers are supposed to help supervise). There are also other activities, such as a bounce house and face-painting. Admission is free. For more information, call (813) 986-9100 or take a gander at http://www.cpcconline.com/calendar.php?pageID=5.

Underwater Easter Egg Hunt - St Pete Beach Pool 2012

Our third favorite egg hunt is in St. Pete Beach, and it's called the Fifth Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival. It's on Saturday, April 7, and it begins at the St. Pete Beach pool. There are three underwater Easter egg hunts, so every child gets a chance to dive and grasp. Kids line up at the pool gates, and are allowed to participate on a first-come, first-dive basis. Bring mesh bags to gather up the eggs. The cost is $4 per child, but the accompanying adult gets in for free. After the egg hunt, families can cross the street and go to Horan Park, where there will be lots of free family fun, including bounce houses, games, face painting and more. All of this is at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. The number of the recreation department is 727-363-9345. The web site is at http://www.stpetebeach.org/component/k2/item/55.html.

2012 Easter Events at the Lowry Park Zoo

Okay, let's change it up a bit. Let's say you don't have children, don't particularly like children, and you are too lazy to take part in an adult Easter egg hunt yourself. Oh, and you watch the Discovery Channel. At the Lowry Park Zoo, there's an Orangutan Egg Hunt. That's right, on April 6, at 11 a.m., you can watch the zoo's Bornean orangutan family have their own hunt. You know those apes know their encased environment like the back of their...Whatever. The egg hunt is included with the price of admission. For more information, go to: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/calendar_events.php.

But that's not all the egg-hunting going on at the zoo. There is also the Tricera-tots Egg Hunt Holiday Class. Here, pint-size paleontologists learn about creatures that have laid eggs both now and back in the day. And there will be an egg hunt, naturally, so youngsters are encouraged to bring their baskets. On three days, April 4, 5 or 6, one 1½ hour class is held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You have to register online no later than a week before a class. You can do so at: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/_education/calendar_zoo_school.html. There is also a fee to get into the class that is not associated with admission to the zoo. For an adult and child to take the class together, it costs $20 for an annual zoo pass holder. For someone who does not have an annual pass, it's $25.

First Presbyterian Church Easter Egg Hunt 2012

On Friday, April 6, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m., there's a Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn of at the First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, which is located at 701 Beach Drive, N.E. All children up to 12 can participate. There will be the hunt, an Easter story, crafts and music.

Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve Easter Egg Hunt 2012

On April 7, beginning at 10 a.m., there is an Easter egg hunt for children under ten years old in Indian Rocks Beach, at the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve, at 903 Gulf Blvd. There will be an Easter bunny, and games, arts, crafts and refreshments. For further information, contact Randy Schwab at 727-595-6889 at the Indian Rocks Beach public services department, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The web site is http://www.indian-rocks-beach.com/docs/Easter%20Egg%20Hunt%20-%202012.pdf.

Gulf Beaches Rotary Easter Egg Hunt - Treasure Island

Further south, in Treasure Island, there is the Gulf Beaches Rotary Easter Egg Hunt. It, too, is on Saturday, April 7, and begins at 10 a.m. It's at the Treasure Island Community Center Park, at One Park Place and 106^th Avenue. There will be an Easter hat and bonnet contest, an egg hunt, obviously, and a visit from the Easter bunny. For information, call (727) 360-4121 or (727) 367-2303. The web site is: http://www.mytreasureisland.org/calendar/calendarnew.htm.

HorsePower for Kids | 2012 Easter Weekend Event

A farm called HorsePower for Kids, which is located at 8005 S. Racetrack Road, Tampa, is also having an egg hunt on April 7, from noon to 5 p.m. It takes place during the Spring Fest. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be pony rides, hay rides, face painting, and a chance to pet some farm animals. All of this is included in the price of admission -- $6 for adults, and $10 for children - and you get a hot dog and a drink, too. If you'd like, you can come back for a drum circle at $6 p.m. that lasts until 10 p.m. Admission for the drum circle is $3 whether you are an adult or child, and you can rent a drum for $5. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The web site is: http://horsepowerforkids.com/.

Northdale Park Tampa FL - Easter Egg Hunt 2012

Also on Saturday, April 7, there is an Easter egg hunt at Northdale Park, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa, that is sponsored by the Northdale Civic Association and the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. It begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m. Children 10 and under can participate, and admission is free. Registration begins at 9 a.m. (FYI. The Easter bunny will be around for pictures). The way this hunt is configured, the eggs that a child has found can be redeemed for candy and prizes. There is also a free drawing for baskets donated by the Northdale Civic Association and local merchants. The web site is: http://www.northdale.org/Northdale/Events/.

Riverhills Park Temple Terreace Easter Event 2012

There is also an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 7, at Riverhills Park, which is in Temple Terrace behind Riverhills Elementary School. This one is being put on by a special group with a long, complicated name. The name of the group is the GFWC Temple Terrace Juniorettes, a group of young women ages 12 to 18 who fall under the auspices of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (that's what the GFWC stands for). Got that? In any event, they are running this hunt. Activities begin at 10 a.m., and the hunt begins at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $3. Admission is $3. There will be crafts, games, face-painting, refreshments, the egg hunt, of course, prizes, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the kids should bring their own baskets. Advance tickets are not required. The money raised will go toward Relay for Life, to benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, contact Joyce Johnston, at (813) 985-3533.

Tampa's Bethel Church - Easter Weekend 2012

Tampa's Bethel Church, which is located at 1510 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, is also holding an Easter egg hunt, dubbed an EGGstravaganza. It's on April 7, from 9 a.m. to noon., and it's a free event. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be carnival games, food and drinks. For more information, call (813) 238-2348. The church's web site is: http://www.betheltampa.org/.

Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater | Easter Event 2012

There is also a rather beautiful Easter event at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. It starts at 11 a.m. noon at the park, which is at 301 Drew St., and it ends at 2 p.m. The Easter egg hunt begins in earnest at 12:30 p.m. In addition to the hunt, there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, a giant inflatable slide, and an appearance by the Easter bunny. In the interest of safety and fairness, the groups of children are divided into age-appropriate categories for the hunt. Parents are encouraged to have their children bring baskets with them. Admission is free, though there is a small charge for rides and refreshments.

Palm Harbor Community Activity Center Easter Event

We also heard that the Palm Harbor Community Activity Center was having a good one April 7. Another one is at England Brothers Park in Pinellas Park, also on April 7. Yet another is at the Tarpon Sports Complex in Tarpon Springs, also on April 7. Now, we're going to move onto appearances by the Easter bunny.

On Easter Sunday, the Easter bunny is scheduled to make an appearance at United Skates of America, at 5121 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, and, of course, he'll be on skates. Typically, United Skates charges $5 for admission, plus an extra $2 to rent skates, so you can skate either from 1 to 4 p.m., or 5 to 8:30 p.m., on Sundays. But on this Sunday, Easter Sunday, you pay the same amount and can skate from 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and come and go as you please. The web site is: http://www.usa-skating.com/dynamic.asp?schimg=feat_sch.gif&sel=5&LinkID=4. The telephone number is (813) 876-5826.

WestShore Plaza Easter Bunny - Tampa, FL

The Easter bunny is also hanging out at the WestShore Plaza, in the center court. And he'll be doing so until April 7. He'll be there Monday through Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (with a break from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.), Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with breaks from 1 to 1:45 p.m., and 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.), and Sunday (this would be April 1, NOT Easter Sunday), from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., (with a break from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Westshore's web site is http://www.westshoreplaza.com/event/visits-and-photos-with-the-easter-bunny/2145397215. Westshore's technical address is 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa.

Hyde Park Village Photo with Easter Bunny 2012

The Easter bunny - or, should we say, another Easter bunny - is also hanging out in Hyde Park Village, at 1621 W. Snow Circle, Tampa, between the Wine Exchange and Tommy Bahama. This rabbit sort of has his little cottage, and is willing to be photographed. He's been hanging out there a bit, but he's going to be around for a little bit longer, on March 31, from 12 to 8 p.m. on April 1, from 12 to 6 p.m., on April 6, from 12 to 8 p.m., and on April 7, from 12 to 6 p.m. You might want to pick March 31 as the date you go down there, because, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there's a Bunny Hop and a family-friendly EGGstravaganza featuring, among other things, a counting horse, a bounce house, and face painting. For more information, please go to http://www.hydeparkvillage.net/event/bunny-hop-a-free-family-eggstravaganza/2145394679.

Master Mehrdad's Students Advance to the Next Level

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:44:26 GMT

A dozen kids climbed the ladder of accomplishment in martial arts at Master Mehrdad's.

The smile on Master Mehrdad's face couldn't be any bigger after some of his younger students were put through a grueling set of tasks on Feb. 4, to see if they could proceed to the next level of mastery in the world of martial arts.

That's the conclusion we came to after checking out Mehrdad's Facebook page. There, he posted 40 nice photographs of the students being put through their paces, plus shots of them smiling after they won their various belts.

But don't believe us. Check it out for yourself - the high kicks, the stances, the blows, the belt ceremony, the group shot afterward. It's not easy getting those belts at Master Mehrdad's Martial Arts. Maybe it's because Mehrdad Khan Moayedi (his full name) is a martial arts master, having received training from grandmasters in the Far East and Asia.

Here, black belts aren't granted until a disciple is at least 16.